New Here? Start With These Three Essays
Three short reflections for the moments when you feel behind, afraid to begin or unsure about the future you want.
Published 12 August 2026 · 300 words
Welcome to In Short.
In Short is a five-minute weekly essay for ambitious Africans navigating scholarships, education, work and personal growth. Every Wednesday, I share one honest story, one useful perspective, one small action and one question to carry into the week.
You do not need to read these essays in order. Begin with the one that feels closest to your life right now.
If you feel behind
Your Timeline Is Not Evidence That You Are Behind
It is easy to look at someone else’s visible progress and use it as evidence against your own life. This reflection is about comparison, different timelines and learning to recognise the road that is actually yours.
Read this when everybody else appears to be moving faster than you.
If you are afraid to begin
You Become Ready by Beginning
Readiness is often something we expect to feel before we take action. But many of the skills, answers and confidence we need only show up after we start.
Read this when perfectionism is disguising itself as preparation.
If the future you imagined no longer fits
What If Outgrowing the Plan Isn’t Giving Up?
Changing direction does not mean you have failed, wasted your time or betrayed your younger self. Sometimes it means you have learned enough to choose more honestly.
Read this when you are grieving an old plan while trying to make room for a new one.
What to expect
In Short arrives every Wednesday. Each edition includes one honest story, one useful perspective, one small action and one question to carry into the week.
If that sounds useful, subscribe below. You will receive the next essay directly in your inbox.
If you are already a reader, reply and tell me: Which question are you carrying right now: direction, progress or support?
First published in our newsletter. Also on Substack.